Should Be Converted

 100625- Meditational Nuggets from the Book of Acts 28 KJV

For Mithcah Bible Baptist Church- Bahrain

Morning Online Devotional Bible Study and Group Prayer Fellowship Oct. 7, 2025

 

“25 And when they agreed not among themselves, they departed, after that Paul had spoken one word, Well spake the Holy Ghost by Esaias the prophet unto our fathers,
26 Saying, Go unto this people, and say, Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive:
27 For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.
28 Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it.
29 And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, and had great reasoning among themselves.”

 

Lesson: Should Be Converted

 

Acts 28:1-7 KJV - And when they were escaped, then they knew that the island was called Melita.
2 And the barbarous people shewed us no little kindness: for they kindled a fire, and received us every one, because of the present rain, and because of the cold.
3 And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand.
4 And when the barbarians saw the venomous beast hang on his hand, they said among themselves, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he hath escaped the sea, yet vengeance suffereth not to live.
5 And he shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm.
6 Howbeit they looked when he should have swollen, or fallen down dead suddenly: but after they had looked a great while, and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds, and said that he was a god.
7 In the same quarters were possessions of the chief man of the island, whose name was Publius; who received us, and lodged us three days courteously.

Acts Chapter 28: the last chapter of the book of Acts of the Apostles; of which book contains the transitional acts of all the called apostles of The LORD; from the twelve apostles of JESUS, whom He called at the beginning of His earthly ministry; whose commissioning was to the Jews; to the latter called Apostle Paul; after JESUS CHRIST ascended to Heaven and already in His Glorious Body; of whose calling was to preach the gospel of salvation by the grace of GOD in CHRIST JESUS, supposedly both to Jews and the Gentiles. But because of the hardened heart of the Jews, he was solely directed to be the apostle of the Gentile ancestry. 

But before we go farther, let’s take a look on how GOD works through Paul, touching the conversion of the Gentile people. 

From great to small, from familiar and unfamiliar, as well as from the peasant to those who are in power.

 
Herein, from these verses 1-7 were written the climactic event; where the supposedly sting of death inflicted Paul. 

That when he was bitten by the venomous viper on his hand, after he had gathered bundle of sticks for the fire; which was saw and witnessed by the warmly receiving islanders, of whom the bible called “barbarians”, they, upon seeing the deadly snake, with its fangs stuck biting Paul’s hand, (might be compared to cobra) already condemned Paul; that according to their presumptive thinking, it was an instant sentence of judgment from heaven for his sins: the cause of his imprisonment.

But lo. and behold! much to their amazement, Paul just shake off the snake to the fire, like it was just a normal none-venomous snake; nothing happen to him as how it should be; he simply continued what he has been doing. 

Instantaneously, just as how fast they condemned Paul within themselves, that he is a murderer, is as how fast they changed their mind, believing within themselves that he is god. 

A great lesson we must take in from these: 

1. The GOD and Savior Whom Paul preached and persistently convincing people to believe, is The LORD of amazingly magnificent grace! And all who serves Him radiates His Godly image. 

2. That death has no power to all whom were called by Him to serve. He might have allowed grievous things to happen, but those things happend, just to prove to all who sees and hears that GOD is still in control of everything. 

3. That Paul never was promised to get paid from the service he rendered for the LORD, but provisions comes unexpectedly from the voluntary charitable deeds of them who witnessed and became the recipient of GOD’s amazing works through him. Him healing the sick, preach the gospel of salvation and peace, teaching them that JESUS is the Son of GOD, and the Redeemer of all who believe. 

What Paul silently preached through these, is the fact that the sting of death should not be feared about; and that it has no power anymore over everyone who have determined to obey the calling of the LORD; that though they were never promised to get paid from their services, yet provisions will just come unexpectedly from them who have tasted the grace given by the LORD. Though sometimes it seems to come later than when it seems to be needed the most. 

Therefore, when disputations, disappointment even death seems to be clinging to weary us, or threatening to take our life away, and all means of comfort, or the prescribed medicines fails, yet we’re still breathing, KEEP HOLDING ON! 

The LORD might be working, and setting our struggles, as His portrayal of His providential grace even His miraculous healing power.

 Let us not be fast to speak out our mind about our desperation or even our negative judgement to others who are suffering, but consult to GOD in prayer, charge to Him everything, and see to it that we do not make ourselves judges or prophets in casting judgement within ourselves, nor speak words that sounds to be condemning others. 

The LORD’s ways are not our ways.

His will is always above our will.

His words always work without and within. 

Acts 28:8-14 KJV -

8 And it came to pass, that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and of a bloody flux: to whom Paul entered in, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed him.

9 So when this was done, others also, which had diseases in the island, came, and were healed:

10 Who also honoured us with many honours; and when we departed, they laded us with such things as were necessary.

11 And after three months we departed in a ship of Alexandria, which had wintered in the isle, whose sign was Castor and Pollux.

12 And landing at Syracuse, we tarried there three days.

13 And from thence we fetched a compass, and came to Rhegium: and after one day the south wind blew, and we came the next day to Puteoli:

14 Where we found brethren, and were desired to tarry with them seven days: and so we went toward Rome.”

Paul’s journey to Rome, though it has been  compacted with deadly disasters, have been worthwhile. For though it was not mentioned how many got saved and have followed him in water baptism, the many wondrous miracles performed through his words and deeds, appeared to have brought those people, even us in this generation, into realization that, the HOLY SPIRIT worked through him in a very particular way. 

Met every need of the hour, and responded even the unspoken question arises within every situation; in saving lives, defying doubts and worries, healing the sick, comforting the weary.

Thoughts we must ponder from these passages:

 •   GOD gives power to all who are fearless and obedient. When Paul surrendered his all to GOD, no danger scared him, he constantly set his eyes to proceed where GOD led him.

  •  GOD grants provision of help and support from wholehearted volunteers.GOD provided Paul companions who were with his journey to support him and become his succourer in every aspect: Dr. Luke for wellness and writing of his deeds. Aristarchus as presumably silently assisting them of whatever bearing with them their burdens he is capable to bear.

  • GOD graciously pronounce His love through them who are the recipient of grace with their charitable acts. The islanders whom the bible addressed as barbarians, honored them by not only giving something; but lading them many things of what might they be needing along their voyaging.

This is what the LORD JESUS said in His teaching written by Dr. Luke in the book of Luke: Luke 6:38 KJV

“38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.”

If we give our all to GOD when He called us to serve, He will give us more than what we need. Sometimes the ministry might cause us discomfort and fear, we might sometimes find ourselves apprehended as how, we, many times have experienced to be in need of something beyond the capability of our hands is able to provide for us. 

Whatever situation we are going through, we must be encouraged and tell ourselves not to be disheartened, all our sorrows and pain will be rewarded; if the reason of our affliction is from our service to Him. It surely is worthy giving our all to Him. For our LORD and Master sees, hears, listens and answers our prayers in His perfect timing. 

No need to worry nor fear; for He is able to make all things abound, when all things seem to fail.

Have His way, and everything are on its way to be fine and okay.

 Acts 28:15-24 KJV

“15 And from thence, when the brethren heard of us, they came to meet us as far as Appii forum, and The three taverns: whom when Paul saw, he thanked God, and took courage.

16 And when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard: but Paul was suffered to dwell by himself with a soldier that kept him.

17 And it came to pass, that after three days Paul called the chief of the Jews together: and when they were come together, he said unto them, Men and brethren, though I have committed nothing against the people, or customs of our fathers, yet was I delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans.

18 Who, when they had examined me, would have let me go, because there was no cause of death in me.

19 But when the Jews spake against it, I was constrained to appeal unto Cæsar; not that I had ought to accuse my nation of.

20 For this cause therefore have I called for you, to see you, and to speak with you: because that for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.

21 And they said unto him, We neither received letters out of Judæa concerning thee, neither any of the brethren that came shewed or spake any harm of thee.

22 But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning this sect, we know that every where it is spoken against.

23 And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening.

24 And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not.”

Paul and the entire company reached Rome at last.

The other prisoners  were immediately brought by the centurion named Julius, to the captain of the guard. But Paul was allowed by this centurion to live by himself with the soldier that kept him. In our current term, he was apprehended with leniency, putting him in  “house arrest.”

 Presumptive for us to think, (but G0D knows) that this centurion got saved himself through the teachings and preaching of Paul, while they’re together within the period of their cataclysmic journey; as he witnessed the wondrous works of GOD in the midst of their calamity, wrought through the works and words of Paul. 

For he can’t be that lenient to Apostle Paul, if he did not wholehearted accepted in faith the LORD JESUS CHRIST.

 Because for us who are in CHRIST, we undoubtedly believed that upon having a personal relationship with JESUS, the heart of even the hardest ruler tenderly soften, to be favorable and give high regard to the one who lead him to the saving knowledge of CHRIST.

Obviously, Paul’s high regard to his people was also undoubted. For as soon as he was settled and rested, that after three days, he called the chief of the Jews, and explain to them what he have gone through in the hand of his people from Jerusalem; why he has to be in Rome, and expounded to them  about the commissioning he received from the Son of GOD JESUS CHRIST: the rumored sect everywhere was spoken against; persuading them that this JESUS of whom he preached is the One whom was written in the law of Moses.

Deuteronomy 18:15-19 KJV 

“15 The LORD thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken;

16 According to all that thou desiredst of the LORD thy God in Horeb in the day of the assembly, saying, Let me not hear again the voice of the LORD my God, neither let me see this great fire any more, that I die not.

17 And the LORD said unto me, They have well spoken that which they have spoken.

18 I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him.

19 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him.”

Truth we must hold on to:

·   JESUS is not just a Sect.

·   JESUS is the Sent One from GOD.

·   JESUS is the promise Savior: the Redeemer of our sin.

·   JESUS is now our Sustainer of GOD’s grace.

Believe Him or not, it will never change.

If we believe that He is, we have in us GOD’s blessings. 

If not, we are among the most miserable created being, in this life, most of all, the life of or our eternal we soul after earthly living. 

And for you who are listening or reading this lesson; Let no one or nothing stops you from:

·    Accepting JESUS: The Gift of GOD; as your LORD and Savior.

·    Believing in His death, burial and resurrection.

·    Calling upon GOD in the Name of JESUS CHRIST alone.

·    Departing from the deceitful works of the Devil and live forever more.

·    Enter into the peace with GOD, and enjoy the privileges given only to the beloved children of GOD in JESUS CHRIST. 

 Acts 28:25-31 KJV 

 25 And when they agreed not among themselves, they departed, after that Paul had spoken one word, Well spake the Holy Ghost by Esaias the prophet unto our fathers,
26 Saying, Go unto this people, and say, Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive:
27 For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.
28 Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it.
29 And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, and had great reasoning among themselves.
30 And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him,
31 Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.

Though the last verse of this book end in an unaccustomed way, leaving us the questions of what happened to other apostles, yet it gives us clear message about the cause of the inconsistency and disunity of the Jews. The chaos that happened in Jerusalem has not reached to the ears of the Jewish community in Rome. And when Paul called them and expounded to them the gospel of CHRIST, they listen in awe; some believed, but some departed confused. 

The response of them who were confused seems to saddened the heart of the LORD. For when they all should be converted into believing that the Son of GOD is JESUS, and that He came for them to abolish the curse of the law, yet some of them maintain their adherence to the law of Moses, not willing to accept the gift of GOD through His Only Begotten Son JESUS. 

But to us who knows well, these just clearly conveys that the spiritual blindness happened for the Jews; and the hardness of their heart, was considerably taken meticulously by GOD; taking us whom are not chosen to be among His beloved so that He will make them jealous; that as He stirred the heart of the Gentile people, and adopted our race to be His own, raising missionaries who will take His words to the whole world, the Jews will soon realize that, yes, their GOD, whose heart is not limited, is able to accommodate all souls, through JESUS CHRIST; extending to us His loving favor. 

For when their naked eyes should have seen the Promised Messiah has already been sent, and His words which their ears should have heard and hearkened to, have already is now echoing to everyone: His loving favor is not limited only for them, but even unto all souls residing even unto the far end of this world, very few of them believed and give heed to His call. Some still hardened their heart to accept their Messiah: JESUS as the Christ and Savior, not only for them, but for the whole world.

GOD’s message through Paul: all should be converted to the saving knowledge of JESUS CHRIST our Savior. 

This last chapter of the book of Acts of the Apostles clearly gives message that the apostleship of Paul has been in the momentum of stirring the faith, reaching out even unto our generation.

 

All should be converted in the faith of our LORD JESUS CHRIST: our Blessed Redeemer. A message we should and keep telling to others.

We then, are looking forward for what should come next after we get converted. We all, both male and female, though we are one in JESUS, must know there are role we must properly play. And our Savior JESUS CHRIST: the LORD of life is looking and expecting that we must live according to His words, ways and will.  

 

Good morning.

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FEAR NOT; Be of Good Cheer!

 093025 -Meditational Nuggets from the Book of Acts 27 KJV

Mithcah Bible Baptist Church-Bahrain

Morning Online Group Devotional Bible Study and Prayer Fellowship - October 1, 2025 

“21 But after long abstinence Paul stood forth in the midst of them, and said, Sirs, ye should have hearkened unto me, and not have loosed from Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss.

22 And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man's life among you, but of the ship.

23 For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve,

24 Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Cæsar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee.

25 Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.

26 Howbeit we must be cast upon a certain island.”

Fear Not; Be of Good Cheer.

Acts 27:1-11 KJV -

“1 And when it was determined that we should sail into Italy, they delivered Paul and certain other prisoners unto one named Julius, a centurion of Augustus' band. 

2 And entering into a ship of Adramyttium, we launched, meaning to sail by the coasts of Asia; one Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, being with us.

3 And the next day we touched at Sidon. And Julius courteously entreated Paul, and gave him liberty to go unto his friends to refresh himself.

4 And when we had launched from thence, we sailed under Cyprus, because the winds were contrary.

5 And when we had sailed over the sea of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra, a city of Lycia.

6 And there the centurion found a ship of Alexandria sailing into Italy; and he put us therein.

7 And when we had sailed slowly many days, and scarce were come over against Cnidus, the wind not suffering us, we sailed under Crete, over against Salmone;

8 And, hardly passing it, came unto a place which is called The fair havens; nigh whereunto was the city of Lasea.

9 Now when much time was spent, and when sailing was now dangerous, because the fast was now already past, Paul admonished them,

10 And said unto them, Sirs, I perceive that this voyage will be with hurt and much damage, not only of the lading and ship, but also of our lives.

11 Nevertheless the centurion believed the master and the owner of the ship, more than those things which were spoken by Paul.”

Sailing to Italy, imprisoned Paul, has to be presented to Augustus Caesar. He and the other prisoners were under the watch of Julius the centurion of Augustus band, or in current term: they were escorted by an army troop of 100 soldiers under one company or one corp commander. 

Though imprisoned he was given favorable  leniency by the Centurion Julius; for he was allowed to refresh himself with his friends whom among are mentioned Aristarchus from Macedonia and the writer Dr. Luke.

However, along their journey, Paul instinctively informed the concerns,  that the sail from Crete will be dangerous. That because they consumed their time from slow sailing; and the time when the strong winds, like hurricane suddenly appear any moment, there was a higher possibility that it will be disastrous for them to continue sailing. 

But the owner of the ship and it’s captain decision to proceed prevailed and the centurion Julius believed them. 

The author suggested to us reader this fact: 

⁃ The called servant of GOD has discernment. 

⁃ He comprehends the danger that has to come. 

But no matter what situation he is into, he will always find comfort in his life’s journey; from his friends,  even from the arms of the law. 

This gives us encouragement: FEAR NOT; Be of Good Cheer!  And that, even in great trials and strong winds of difficulties, we must be still and rise up above sorrow; for surely, The LORD will get us  through. 

Acts 27:12-27 KJV 

“12 And because the haven was not commodious to winter in, the more part advised to depart thence also, if by any means they might attain to Phenice, and there to winter; which is an haven of Crete, and lieth toward the south west and north west.

13 And when the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, loosing thence, they sailed close by Crete.

14 But not long after there arose against it a tempestuous wind, called Euroclydon. 

D15 And when the ship was caught, and could not bear up into the wind, we let her drive. 16 And running under a certain island which is called Clauda, we had much work to come by the boat:

17 Which when they had taken up, they used helps, undergirding the ship; and, fearing lest they should fall into the quicksands, strake sail, and so were driven.

18 And we being exceedingly tossed with a tempest, the next day they lightened the ship;

19 And the third day we cast out with our own hands the tackling of the ship.

20 And when neither sun nor stars in many days appeared, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope that we should be saved was then taken away.

21 But after long abstinence Paul stood forth in the midst of them, and said, Sirs, ye should have hearkened unto me, and not have loosed from Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss.

22 And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man's life among you, but of the ship.

23 For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve,

24 Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Cæsar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee.

25 Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.

26 Howbeit we must be cast upon a certain island.

27 But when the fourteenth night was come, as we were driven up and down in Adria, about midnight the shipmen deemed that they drew near to some country;”

Then came the Euroclydon.

According to Wikipedia, the meaning of Euroclydon (or in Latin: Euroaquilo) is a cyclonic tempestuous northeast wind which blows in the Mediterranean, mostly in autumn and winter. In one word, it is a hurricane. 

The catastrophic sail of the imprisoned Apostle Paul to Rome have been a great waste indeed; of which he advised the sailors not to proceed and wait until the weather be fair. But the chief captain did not hearken unto him and proceed still. 

Things we must be reminded from these passages: 

• sometimes an unsolicited advise is the voice of the LORD that stops us from proceeding to a cataclysmic journey of life. 

• Skillfulness, nor professionalism is not always a guarantee for a safe voyage; hearkening from godly counsel is. 

• Spirit-filled people are GOD’s voice that sounds His instruction. It should be considerably listened to and has to be taken seriously. 

• Sobriety snd soundness of mind comes only from GOD’s blessed assurance; and it is freely given to all who abide by the instructive words of the LORD. 

• Shipwreck in life are sometimes allowed by the LORD; for hopeless people to realize they need a Savior. 

Though Paul blamed them because they did not listened to his counsel, he encourage them by the word of the LORD: FEAR NOT; Be of GOD CHEER.. for in believing GOD’s words, no life will be lost,

The safest place we must be is in the sheltering hand of the Living and Loving GOD, who hears, who listen and who sees. Abide with Him and be safe along life’s journey. 

Acts 27:28-44 KJV 

28 And sounded, and found it twenty fathoms: and when they had gone a little further, they sounded again, and found it fifteen fathoms.

29 Then fearing lest we should have fallen upon rocks, they cast four anchors out of the stern, and wished for the day.

30 And as the shipmen were about to flee out of the ship, when they had let down the boat into the sea, under colour as though they would have cast anchors out of the foreship, 31 Paul said to the centurion and to the soldiers, Except these abide in the ship, ye cannot be saved.

32 Then the soldiers cut off the ropes of the boat, and let her fall off.

33 And while the day was coming on, Paul besought them all to take meat, saying, This day is the fourteenth day that ye have tarried and continued fasting, having taken nothing.

34 Wherefore I pray you to take some meat: for this is for your health: for there shall not an hair fall from the head of any of you.

35 And when he had thus spoken, he took bread, and gave thanks to God in presence of them all: and when he had broken it, he began to eat.

36 Then were they all of good cheer, and they also took some meat. 

37 And we were in all in the ship two hundred threescore and sixteen souls.

38 And when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship, and cast out the wheat into the sea.

39 And when it was day, they knew not the land: but they discovered a certain creek with a shore, into the which they were minded, if it were possible, to thrust in the ship.

40 And when they had taken up the anchors, they committed themselves unto the sea, and loosed the rudder bands, and hoised up the mainsail to the wind, and made toward shore.

41 And falling into a place where two seas met, they ran the ship aground; and the forepart stuck fast, and remained unmoveable, but the hinder part was broken with the violence of the waves.

42 And the soldiers' counsel was to kill the prisoners, lest any of them should swim out, and escape.

43 But the centurion, willing to save Paul, kept them from their purpose; and commanded that they which could swim should cast themselves first into the sea, and get to land:

44 And the rest, some on boards, and some on broken pieces of the ship. And so it came to pass, that they escaped all safe to land.

Two hundred sixty six living souls: these many people were saved from the shipwreck because of the anointing hand of GOD to Apostle Paul. 

Just one firmly-settled-in faith leader of few godly men, in the midst of many troubled people,  is more than enough to bring them into salvation. 

Noticeably, in their troubled days, they hearkened to the counsel of Paul. 

• they abide in the ship, though it was tossed to and fro by strong wave; none give in to their attempt to scape.

• They ate their meal after fourteen days of continued fasting. 

• They accepted their fate inside the ship and let alone the strong wind; even the soldier became gentle to the prisoners; wishing each other’s safety: all because of Paul’s contagious faith in GOD. 

• They all attained safety to dry land, though everything was lost; and their ship was wrecked and stuck still to the ground of the shallow. 

It is our steadfast stands in the faith to GOD that moves others’ hearts. It is not the quantity that counts, but the quality of our faithful walk. 

It consist of the contentment for what we have, the gratitude of opening our eyes every morning and the peace within the midst of every life’s tempestuous winds. These all come along and were freely given to us by our Loving LORD JESUS CHRIST: our Savior and Redeemer. 

Without Him all anxieties, fears and negativities will drag us down deeper; and yes with our strength we may be able to afloat ourselves for a little time. 

But when it’s getting tougher and harder, we will soon be carried away by destructive life’s destructive wind. We must learn to humbly accept the fact: without the LORD’s guidance, we can’t do anything that will keep us up with Him. 

FEAR NOT and Be of GOOD CHEERS! For we are the children of our Loving and Living GOD who knows and understands our weaknesses and fears. 

Let this sink in our mind: 

GOD is still GOD even without mankind, but mankind without GOD what will become of us then? 

Having faith in the true GOD who sees, hears, listens and answers prayers is the most important thing we must have within.  

That with Him our days will be more meaningful and our life will be challenging and livelier than ever. 

Good morning😇🙏

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The Hope of the Promise Made by GOD

 092425 Meditational Nuggets from the Book of Acts 26 KJV

For: MBBC-Bh Morning Online Group Devotional Bible Study and Prayer Fellowship Sept. 25, 2025

“6 And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made of God unto our fathers:

7 Unto which promise our twelve tribes, instantly serving God day and night, hope to come. For which hope's sake, king Agrippa, I am accused of the Jews.

8 Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you, that God should raise the dead?”

The Hope of the promise made of GOD

From these verses were written how Paul defended himself in the presence of the new Governor Festus and King Herod Agrippa, raising this questions which seems to melt down the power-driven king’s heart, that he almost have gotten saved. 

Acts 26:1-8 KJV 

“1 Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Thou art permitted to speak for thyself. Then Paul stretched forth the hand, and answered for himself:

2 I think myself happy, king Agrippa, because I shall answer for myself this day before thee touching all the things whereof I am accused of the Jews:

3 Especially because I know thee to be expert in all customs and questions which are among the Jews: wherefore I beseech thee to hear me patiently.

4 My manner of life from my youth, which was at the first among mine own nation at Jerusalem, know all the Jews;

5 Which knew me from the beginning, if they would testify, that after the most straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.

6 And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made of God unto our fathers:

7 Unto which promise our twelve tribes, instantly serving God day and night, hope to come. For which hope's sake, king Agrippa, I am accused of the Jews.

8 Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you, that God should raise the dead?

It was cleared from the word of Paul: he incessantly pursued the commandment of the LORD, that everybody should hear and be known, that there is the hope of the promise made of GOD given to their forefathers, which were written in the law; for all to know and to see that, what their ancestors have waited, they have seen, talked with, witnessed His miraculous wondrous works, and have called lately Paul, to testify to all that that promise has been fulfilled. 

And no matter what adversities he might have encountered, he will keep on testifying and confirm it to whomsoever will question him about his faith on that fulfilled promise. 

May this words of Apostle Paul echo in our thoughts and be it not merely confined in the hidden place of our mind; but it will keep on stirring our heart; to not just keep it within ourselves, but to be outspoken, and be heard by whomsoever  might be asking what is the hope we have in us all about. 

For the GOD’s gift of salvation through JESUS CHRIST must be known to all mankind. 

Let us all be willing to share, so that we all be blessed forever!

Acts 26:9-15 KJV 

“9 I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth.

10 Which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the saints did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them.

11 And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto strange cities.

12 Whereupon as I went to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests,

13 At midday, O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and them which journeyed with me.

14 And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. 

15 And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest.”

What makes Paul especial from the LORD JESUS’  twelve reorganized other apostles?(reorganized, because Judas Iscariot one from the original twelve, have fallen out from the LORD’s grace, committed suicide after betraying the Son of GOD, that led to His crucifixion; was replaced by Matthias through casting lots, after the LORD’s ascension) were accounted as these:  

• His Commemorative admission about his former state, as being one among the fiery pharisees who persecuted the followers/believers  of JESUS, were clearly testified in detailed manner, to whomsoever asked him and in whatsoever situation he is in. 

• His Conversion from JESUS’ hater to JESUS’ herald changed him in all aspect of life; placing him in a very unlikely, tedious, laborious, chaotic, yet full of joy, fulfilling nature of ministry. 

• His Calling to proclaim JESUS to all; focusing mainly in the redemption of the Gentiles; reconciling  both the Jews and the Gentiles under the grace of GOD.( GOD’s redemption at CHRIST expense) Galatians 3:27,28

These verses were written for us to understand that even in Paul’s defense is a testimonial preaching in the presence of his prosecutors, because of his faith in the hope of promise made by GOD. 

An epilogue we must all look upon as our guide in testifying how vast and immeasurable the grace of GOD through the death, burial, and resurrection from the death of our LORD JESUS CHRIST; reaching us who are among the Gentiles, considered as before an enemy of GOD because of our idolatrous practices . But by His abounding grace, which is able to change and convert even the most hard-core fanatics or extremist proponents, we, who were previously among them were now also the testifiers of GOD’s amazing grace. 

Reminding us not to discount the power of our words; that truth when it is spoken, no matter how unconventional it is will still stand in the end. 

As what Paul written  in Ephesian 4KJV

“29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.

31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:

32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.”

May our words conveys to others CHRIST’s saving grace. 

Acts 26:15-20 KJV  

“15 And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest.

16 But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee;

17 Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee,

18 To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

19 Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision:

20 But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judæa, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.”

The Heavenly Vision:

Paul knew vividly his calling.

He has been bold to testify not only to defend himself but to obey His Master’s will. 

He consistently testified everything; to his people, to his prosecutor, and in trying time, to the king.

When it is known to us the purpose of our existence, it is but just right to do it, and to perform with all our heart so well. 

If we are called to serve, in whatever situation we are in, serve with all our heart, mind, soul; with all our beings. 

For the One who called us to salvation, is the Mighty GOD, the Prince of Peace, our Savior and King!

All praises be to our LORD JESUS CHRIST everyday and forever!

Acts 26:21-29 KJV - 

21 For these causes the Jews caught me in the temple, and went about to kill me.

22 Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come:

23 That Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles.

24 And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad.

25 But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness. 26 For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; for this thing was not done in a corner.

27 King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest.

28 Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.

29 And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds.

30 0 And when he had thus spoken, the king rose up, and the governor, and Bernice, and they that sat with them:

31 And when they were gone aside, they talked between themselves, saying, This man doeth nothing worthy of death or of bonds. 32 Then said Agrippa unto Festus, This man might have been set at liberty, if he had not appealed unto Cæsar.”

The noble, the king and all the people around heard what Paul testified while defending himself. The reactions differed: 

* Festus think Paul was mad or out of his mind

* others fell into silence and keep pondering the words Paul has spoken

* King Agrippa answered “almost” convinced

Conclusively they all agreed: Paul should have set at liberty,  should he hadn’t made an appeal unto the ultimate authority .

Sometimes the grace of GOD  appeared seemingly absurdly obscure. Paul has to be imprisoned for years just to witnessed to the noble and king. 

When he should have been set at liberty, but because he has chosen to appeal unto Ceasar, he must be kept in bonds. And the irony of it all, he could have had spent his time for a far greater purpose, to reach out more souls, than to defend his cause in the ears of this king who hadn’t fully saved but just “almost”. 

This is how we see things through our limited mind. Our comprehension could never attain to GOD’s wisdom. 

But let this be inculcated in our mind: when He allowed difficult circumstances in our life to happen, He is not just purging us from impurities; but through our hardship, He form something significantly beautiful in GOD’s perfect timing. He started to molds us within, then it radiates outwardly, and keeps it shining forever. 

Just as Paul must be imprisoned at Rome, to where he spent his solitude writing some of his epistles, from where practical guidlines of Christian living was written for our edification, so that his epistle will be completely written, of which have to be included in the canon; for the bible, be in its completion. 

The GOD whom we serve is an All-Knowing GOD; The Almighty Creator of all things. 

His plan and design for all the universe is so vast, yet never He left even the smallest matter unnoticed. Not even our infirmities and shortcomings nor our sins hidden from the scrutinizing eyes of His power. 

Let us not be among them who are just almost saved, but let us all be like Paul whom to GOD surrendered all his beings. 

For His plan is greater than what our natural mind sees. Our circumstances might seem to be unending, but His grace is sufficient to sustain us throughout our entire years of earthly living. 

Let the hope of promise made by GOD in JESUS CHRIST be our inspiration to keep on going. With long-sufferings joyfully serving Him. 

So that we may live our life accordingly to what pleases GOD and our LORD JESUS CHRIST everyday and ever! 

Good morning❤️🙏

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